Trans Continental Fairs Management, which organised last month’s Middle East Pool and Spa Exhibition (MEPSE), estimates the Middle East market to be one of the richest in the world.

Trans Continental Fairs Management, which organised last month’s Middle East Pool and Spa Exhibition (MEPSE), estimates the Middle East market to be one of the richest in the world. The company believes the region generates more than US $25 billion in trade and contracts for pools, spas, recreation centre equipment and accessories every year. The second MEPSE, which ran from March 20-22, brought together over 120 international and regional players in the pool and spa industry. Although the first MEPSE was held in Abu Dhabi in 2004, due to the expansion of the industry, this year’s event took place at Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition focused on technologies and know-how in pool construction and all related materials and products were presented. The exhibitors, from countries throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia, showed off a diverse range of products from swimming pools, spas, saunas and whirlpools to services including landscaping and architectural design and specialised merchandise, such as swimwear, rehabilitation pools, fun pool equipment and mosaic tiles. “Worldwide pool facilities have taken giant strides over the past few years and competition in the sector is intensifying,” said Jyothi Joseph, exhibition secretary at Trans Continental Fairs Management. “We had over 2500m² of display space packed with well known brands from around the world and around 4000 visitors came to the exhibition,” she added. “The event attracted a professional audience, creating new and fruitful business opportunities and deals for both visitors and exhibitors.” The exhibition had pan-GCC coverage, attracting visitors from the UAE and neighbouring countries. Visitors from India and Pakistan were present, in addition to many from North Africa countries and European delegations. Among the visitors to the show were hotel, spa and health club managers, tourist project decision makers and other government officials. Owners of apartment buildings, private villas and palaces, as well as a number of real estate companies and investors were also present, as were the architects, contractors and builders of future projects. “It is very important for professionals from all these related fields to keep up to date on the changes in this valuable industry. The feedback we have had so far is that the event was very useful and a great success,” said Joseph. “We are very pleased with how it all went and if demand continues to grow as rapidly as it has up to this point, we may have to consider making the exhibition an annual event,” she added.